Protective action of indole-3-acetic acid on induced hepatocarcinoma in mice

In this study, we report the protective effects of IAA on diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced hepatocarcinogenesis. BALB/c mice received daily IAA at 50 (T(50)), 250 (T(250)), and 500 (T(500)) mg K(-1) per body mass by gavage for 15 days. At day 15, animals were administered DEN and sacrificed 4 h later. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were analyzed in sera. In addition., hepatomorphologic alterations, activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GR), gene expression of antioxidant enzymes and DNA integrity were evaluated in the liver. IAA administration did not show any alterations in any of the parameters available, except for a reduction of the gene expression for antioxidant enzyrries by 55, 56, 27, and 28% for SOD, CAT, GPx, and GR upon T(500). respectively compared with the control. Several hepatic alterations were observed by DEN exposure. Moreover, IAA administration at 3 doses was shown to provide a total prevention of the active reduction of CAT and GR induced by DEN exposure compared with the control. IAA at T5(00) was shown to give partial protection (87, 71, 57, and 90% for respectively SOD, CAT. GPx. and GR) on the down-regulation of the enzymes induced by DEN and this auxin showed a partial protection (50%) on DEN-induced DNA fragmentation for both parameters when compared to DEN alone. This work showed IAA hepatocarcinogenesis protection for the first time by means of a DEN-protective effect on CAT and GR activity. and by affecting antioxidant gene expression and DNA fragmentation. Copyright (C) 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Direct action of aldosterone on bicarbonate reabsorption in in vivo cortical proximal tubule

Pergher PS, Leite-Dellova D, de Mello-Aires M. Direct action of aldosterone on bicarbonate reabsorption in in vivo cortical proximal tubule. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 296: F1185-F1193, 2009. First published February 18, 2009; doi:10.1152/ajprenal.90217.2008.-The direct action of aldosterone (10(-12) M) on net bicarbonate reabsorption (J(HCO3)(-)) was evaluated by stationary microperfusion of an in vivo middle proximal tubule (S2) of rat kidney, using H ion-sensitive microelectrodes. Aldosterone in luminally perfused tubules caused a significant increase in J(HCO3)(-) from a mean control value of 2.84 +/- 0.08 [49/19 (n degrees of measurements/n degrees of tubules)] to 4.20 +/- 0.15 nmol.cm(-2).s(-1) (58/10). Aldosterone perfused into peritubular capillaries also increased J(HCO3)(-), compared with basal levels during intact capillary perfusion with blood. In addition, in isolated perfused tubules aldosterone causes a transient increase of cytosolic free calcium ([Ca(2+)](i)), monitored fluorometrically. In the presence of ethanol ( in similar concentration used to prepare the hormonal solution), spironolactone (10(-6) M, a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist), actinomycin D (10(-6) M, an inhibitor of gene transcription), or cycloheximide (40 mM, an inhibitor of protein synthesis), the J(HCO3)(-) and the [Ca(2+)](i) were not different from the control value; these drugs also did not prevent the stimulatory effect of aldosterone on J(HCO3)(-) and on [Ca(2+)](i). However, in the presence of RU 486 alone [10(-6) M, a classic glucocorticoid receptor (GR) antagonist], a significant decrease on J(HCO3)(-) and on [Ca(2+)](i) was observed; this antagonist also inhibited the stimulatory effect of aldosterone on J(HCO3)(-) and on [Ca(2+)](i). These studies indicate that luminal or peritubular aldosterone (10(-12) M) has a direct nongenomic stimulatory effect on J(HCO3)(-) and on [Ca(2+)](i) in proximal tubule and that probably GR participates in this process. The data also indicate that endogenous aldosterone stimulates J(HCO3)(-) in middle proximal tubule.

Steviol effect, a glycoside of Stevia rebaudiana, on glucose clearances in rats

Stevia rebaudiana, a South American plant normally used as a natural herbal sweetener, has been suggested as exerting beneficial effects on human health, including as an antihypertensive and antihyperglycemic. The present experiment was undertaken to evaluate the renal excretion of steviol, the aglycone of several natural products extracted from the leaves of S. rebaudiana, and to clarify the actual participation of this compound on the renal excretion of glucose in rats, which has been previously suggested as the preferential action of steviol on the Na+-glucose renal tubular transport system. Steviol was obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis of stevioside with pectinase. Thirty normal male Wistar rats weighing 345 g were used. After a control period, steviol was infused iv at three doses (0.5, 1.0 and 3.0 mg.kg-1/h), according to classical clearance techniques. During all the experiments no significant changes in inulin clearance (Cin) and p-aminohipuric acid clearance (C PAH) were observed. Administration of steviol resulted in a statistically significant increase in the fractional sodium excretion (FeNa+), fractional potassium excretion (FeK+), urinary flow as percent of glomerular filtration rate (V/GFR) and glucose clearance (C G) when compared to controls, but these effects were absent with the dose of 0.5 mg.kg-1/h. The steviol clearance (C S) was higher than the Cin and lower than the C PAH at all the doses employed in this study. The data suggest that steviol is secreted by renal tubular epithelium, causing diuresis, natriuresis, kaliuresis and a fall in renal tubular reabsorption of glucose.

Effect of Low-Level Laser Therapy on Malondialdehyde Concentration in Random Cutaneous Flap Viability

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of 830 and 670 nm laser on malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in random skin-flap survival. Background Data: Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been reported to be successful in stimulating the formation of new blood vessels and activating superoxide-dismutase delivery, thus helping the inhibition of free-radical action and consequently reducing necrosis. Materials and Methods: Thirty Wistar rats were used and divided into three groups, with 10 rats in each one. A random skin flap was raised on the dorsum of each animal. Group 1 was the control group; group 2 received 830 nm laser radiation; and group 3 was submitted to 670 nm laser radiation. The animals underwent laser therapy with 36 J/cm(2) energy density immediately after surgery and on the 4 days subsequent to surgery. The application site of the laser radiation was 1 point, 2.5 cm from the flap's cranial base. The percentage of the skin-flap necrosis area was calculated 7 days postoperative using the paper-template method, and a skin sample was collected immediately after as a way of determining the MDA concentration. Results: Statistically significant differences were found between the necrosis percentages, with higher values seen in group 1 compared with groups 2 and 3. Groups 2 and 3 did not present statistically significant differences (p > 0.05). Group 3 had a lower concentration of MDA values compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: LLLT was effective in increasing the random skin-flap viability in rats, and the 670 nm laser was efficient in reducing the MDA concentration.

Anthelmintic effects of condensed tannins on Trichostrongylus colubriformis in experimentally infected sheep

Recent surveys have identified anthelmintic effects from many bioactive substances particularly from condensed tannin (CT) sources. The aims of the present study were to investigate the potential anthelmintic effects of condensed tannins (CT) on Trichostrongylus colubriformis in experimentally infected sheep and the nutritional consequences on animals. Twenty helminth-free lambs were divided into five groups of four animals. Groups I to IV were artificially infected with 6,000 third stage larvae (L3) of T. colubriformis. Group I was the infected control and group V was the uninfected control. Twenty-eight days post-infection (p.i.) lambs from GII were supplemented with tanniniferous sorghum (350 g/animal/day, during seven days); GIII were drenched with Acacia mearnsii extract (15% CT) for just one day and GIV during two days (1.6 g extract/kg BW). At day 36 p.i., animals from infected group (GI to GIV) were slaughtered. Faecal egg counts (FEC) values present a reduction on GII when compared with GI at day 29 p.i. (P < 0.05) and between GIII and GI at day 35 and 36 p.i. (P < 0.05). The values of egg hatchability and number of L3 recovered from the faeces were not statistical analyzed (there was no duplicate data), however there was a considerable reduction between the values from treated and control group. The use of CT on diet did not cause significant difference on blood parameters, body-weight and carcass-weight (P > 0.05). No difference was related on total worm burden between treatments; however, GIV presented lower number of females than GI (P < 0.05). The use of CT could be a promising alternative source to reduce the pasture contamination and to control T. colubriformis infection in sheep.

INFLUENCE OF ROOF MATERIAL ON THERMAL COMFORT IN BROILER HOUSINGS IN THE STATE OF SAO PAULO

This paper presents a different roof tiles influence study on the thermal comfort for broiler housings. The research was conducted at UNESP`s Experimental Campus at Dracena, state of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Four prototypes in real scale were built, each with an area of 28 m(2). The prototype was covered with roof tiles made of recycled long-life packing material, ceramic tiles, ceramic tiles painted with white coating, and fiber/cement tiles. Temperatures inside the structures were recorded in the winter 2007 over a 90-day period. The results obtained indicated that recycled tile thermal behavior was similar to ceramic tiles. However for the winter period all the prototypes had presented comfort thermal index not in the broilers thermo neutral zone.

Breeding of Ornidia obesa (Diptera: Syrphidae: Eristalinae) on Pig Carcasses in Brazil

On Mho obesa F. (Diptera: Syrphidae) is usually neglected in forensic entomology, although adults are rather frequent on vertebrate carrion. In this study, conducted in southeastern Brazil in 2008, we used two pig carcasses, one killed by cocaine overdose and the other by shooting, to evaluate mainly the possible influences of the type of death on the larval development of O. obesa in the pig remains. We recorded the breeding of 218 adult specimens of this syrphid fly from the carcass killed by shooting, and none from the carcass killed by cocaine. These observations may open a new perspective for the use of O. obesa in forensic studies, considering its breeding preferences and its complete development on vertebrate carrion.

Molecular evidence of phytoplasma associated with witches` broom on passion fruit in five Brazilian States

Phytoplasmas are cell wall-less prokaryotes and phloem-inhabitants associated with diseases that affect several crops. Passion fruit is a tropical plant species cultivated in various Brazilian regions. Diseases are among the factors that may cause damage to this crop, and witches` broom is a very important one. This disease, associated with a phytoplasma, has been reported only in Brazil, where it was described in Rio de Janeiro and Pernambuco States at the beginning of the 1980`s. In 2005-2006, symptomatic plants Suspected of phytoplasma infection were sampled in areas located in Sao Paulo, Parana, Rio de Janeiro, Sergipe and Bahia. Amplification of DNA fragments of 1.2kb from nested PCR primed by the pairs 16mF2/mR1 and 16F2n/R2 revealed the presence of phytoplasma in the tissue of plants from all sampled regions. Molecular detection of the agent allowed confirmation of the diagnosis based on the symptomatology; demonstrated the strong association between diseased plants and a phytoplasma, confirming previous investigations based on electron microscopy;, and revealed the present occurrence of the agent in the States of Bahia, Parana, Rio de Janeiro, Sergipe, and Sao Paulo.

EFFECT OF n-3 POLYUNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS ON OXIDATIVE STRESS IN RATS SUPPLEMENTED WITH DIFFERENT DOSES OF FISH OIL

The diet and plasma lipid patterns associated with lipid oxidation susceptibility in rats fed different doses of polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) from fish oil were evaluated. Wistar rats were assigned into three groups and received diets containing 8% soybean oil (SOY), 4% soybean oil + 4% fish oil (SOY-FISH) and 8% fish oil (FISH) for 21 days. Linoleic, oleic and alpha-linolenic acids in SOY diets were substituted by myristic, palmitic, palmitoleic, eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids in SOY-FISH and FISH diets reducing the n-6/n-3 ratio and increasing the peroxidability index (PI). Increased dietary EPA and DHA were observed in SOY-FISH and FISH plasma at the expense of linoleic and arachidonic acid levels. Saturated fatty acids, which were significantly different between the three diets (P < 0.01), were found at the same concentration in the plasma (P = 0.23). No changes were observed in oxidative stress as measured by the concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) expressed in brain homogenates. However, TBARS concentration in the plasma of the SOY-FISH group was higher than the other two groups (P = 0.02). The major differences between these three groups were the n-3 PUFA content (0.4, 1.8 and 3.2 g/100 g diet) and the saturates/polyunsaturates ratio (0.3, 0.5 and 0.8) for SOY, SOY-FISH, and FISH groups, respectively. Thus, n-3 PUFA intake from fish oil only when followed by a decrease in saturated/polyunsaturated fatty acids ratio increased oxidative susceptibility in rats measured by plasma TBARS concentration. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Because fish oil intake is associated with risk reduction for cardiovascular disease, individuals are taking supplements containing a high dose of fish oil. However, there is no scientific consensus if the intake of a high dose of fish oil could increase the oxidative stress. Thus, more studies are necessary to assure the safety of this kind of supplementation.

Transdermal estrogen therapy effects on fibrinogen levels in women with a past history of venous thromboembolism: a pilot study

Objective: To evaluate thromboelastographic parameters and fibrinogen levels in women treated with transdermal 17 beta estradiol. Methods: 29 menopausal women with a history of venous thromboembolic disease were included. Nine patients composed the treatment (HT) group and 20 the control group. Coagulation was assessed by thromboelastography in samples of whole blood and platelet-poor plasma (PPP). The following thromboelastographic variables were measured: time for initial coagulation (R), blood clotting speed (K and the a angle), clot tensile strength (MA and G), global index of coagulation (Cl) and fibrinolysis (LY30) and fibrinogen levels. Results: There were no differences in the other parameters comparing both groups. Fibrinogen levels showed a 13.77 +/- 19.94% reduction in the HT group and a 5.51 +/- 8.09% increase in the control group after 6 months. Conclusions: Our data suggested that transdermal estrogen may not increase blood coagulability, but that it reduces fibrinogen levels in FIT women.

Influence of the CYP17 polymorphism on vasomotor symptoms in postmenopausal women: a pilot study

Objective To evaluate the influence of CYP17 polymorphism on menopausal symptoms after estrogen treatment. Methods A total of 130 women were recruited, but only 100 of these were selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria; they were treated with 0.3 mg/day conjugated equine estrogens. One year later, the study was completed by 71 women. The analysis of the Kupperman menopausal index symptoms was made with information provided by the patients on daily diary cards. Blood samples were analyzed and the women were divided into two groups based on the CYP17, 5`-untranslated region: group A (wild-type homozygote and heterozygote) and group B (mutated homozygote). Results The values for the Kupperman menopausal index were similar in both groups at baseline. The symptoms in both groups decreased after 1 year of treatment when compared to those at baseline. The improvement rate was approximately 27.09% and 32.18%, in groups A and B, respectively. The levels of estrogen after treatment were higher in both groups in comparison with the baseline values. The testosterone level rose in group B with the 1-year treatment (0.48 +/- 0.16 ng/ml), reaching a higher level than the level in group A after treatment. The sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) level showed a significant increase after the 1-year treatment in group B, surpassing both the baseline and the after-treatment values in group A (p < 0.01). Conclusion Our data suggest that the CYP17 polymorphism did not influence the action of estrogen on menopause symptoms during the 1-year treatment. The extra production of estrogen and androgen may have been countered by the elevation of SHBG levels.

EFFECTS OF DECOMPRESSION TIME AFTER SPINAL CORD INJURY ON NEUROLOGIC RECOVERY IN WISTAR RATS

Objective Traumatic spinal Cord injuries are common in patients with high energy trauma and have significant morbidity and mortality rates as well as high psychological and social costs causing a major impact on public health To date the treatment of such lesions remains controversial with various studies in the literature comparing the results of non surgical treatment with immediate early or late surgical decompression The objective of the present study is to compare the results of immediate and early (within 1 hour) spinal Cord decompression Methods In the belief that the surgical treatment obtains the best result this experimental study has a case control design with histopathological and functional analysis of the results of surgical treatment of 25 Wistar mice submitted to posterior laminectomy immediately or after one hour of spinal Cord compression Results in terms of functional and neurological deficit the responses were better in the mice treated with immediate surgical decompression than in those treated one hour after the lesion (p=0 036) Conclusion The earlier the decompression of spinal Cord injuries is performed the better the end results in terms of the function and presence of neurological deficit

Effect of treadmill exercise on lumbar vertebrae in ovariectomized rats: anthropometrical and mechanical analyses

The purpose of this study was to examine the preventive effect of exercise on lumbar vertebrae in ovariectomized rats. Three-month-old female Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups: control group (A, n = 10); non-exercised ovariectomized group (B, n = 7) and exercised ovariectomized group (C, n = 7). The rats from group C were subjected to treadmill exercise (15 m/minute in the initial six weeks and 19 m/minute in the next six weeks, 1 hour/day, 4 days/week) for 12 weeks. At death, the fourth lumbar vertebrae were removed and an anthropometrical analysis by a paquimeter and a mechanical compression test by a universal test machine were performed. After 12 weeks, the ovariectomy decreased the superior-inferior vertebral height and the maximal braking load in group B compared to group A, while the exercise increased the vertebral mass in group C compared to both groups A and B (p < 0.01) and the stiffness compared to group B. We concluded the physical activity has an important role to prevent the osteopenia in lumbar vertebrae.

Oral Hygiene Indirect Instruction and Periodic Reinforcements: Effects on Index Plaque in Schoolchildren

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the indirect instruction and the influence of the periodic reinforcement on the plaque index in schoolchildren. Forty schoolchildren aged from 7 to 9 years old were selected from a public school. After determining the initial O`Leary Plaque Index all schoolchildren were submitted to a program for oral hygiene through indirect instruction - ""The Smiling Robot"". The schoolchildren were divided into 2 groups: with and without motivation reinforcement. The index plaque exam was performed in both groups after 30, 60 and 90 days of the educational program. Comparing the groups, the plaque index decreasing could be observed in the group with reinforcement with statistically significant difference. For the group with reinforcement, statistically significant difference among the evaluations was found. For the group without reinforcement, significant decrease in the plaque index was found after 30 days when compared to the first, third and fourth evaluations. The indirect instruction with ""The Smiling Robot ""promoted a positive initial impact on the decrease of plaque index in the schoolchildren. The periodic reinforcements showed snore suitable results and significant reduction of the plaque index in the course of the evaluations.

Effects of physiotherapy on hemodynamic variables in newborns with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Background: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a frequent respiratory disturbance in preterm newborns. Preceding investigations evaluated chronic physiotherapy effects on newborns with different lung diseases; however, no study analyzed acute physiotherapy treatment on premature newborns with ARDS. In this study we aimed to evaluate the acute effects of chest and motor physiotherapy treatment on hemodynamic variables in preterm newborns with ARDS. Methods: We evaluated heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), systolic (SAP), mean (MAP) and diastolic arterial pressure (DAP), temperature and oxygen saturation (SO(2)%) in 44 newborns with ARDS. We compared all variables between six periods in one day: before first physiotherapy treatment vs. after first physiotherapy treatment vs. before second physiotherapy treatment vs. after second physiotherapy treatment vs. before third physiotherapy treatment vs. after third physiotherapy treatment. Variables were measured 2 minutes before and 5 minutes after each physiotherapy session. We applied Anova one way followed by post hoc Bonferroni test. Results: HR (147.5 +/- 9.5 bpm vs. 137.7 +/- 9.3 bpm; p<0.001), RR (45.5 +/- 8.7cpm vs. 41.5 +/- 6.7 cpm; p=0.001), SAP (70.3 +/- 10.4 mmHg vs. 60.1 +/- 7.1 mmHg; p=0.001) and MAP (55.7 +/- 10 mmHg vs. 46 +/- 6.6 mmHg; p=0.001) were significantly reduced after the third physiotherapy treatment compared to before the first session. There were no significant changes regarding temperature, DAP and SO(2) %. Conclusion: Chest and motor physiotherapy acutely improves HR, RR, SAP, MAP and SO(2) % in newborns with ARDS.